Question 1

What is Syphilis?

Accepted Answer

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that progresses through multiple stages if left untreated. It is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, which spreads through direct contact with syphilis sores during sexual activity. The RPR (Rapid Plasma Reagin) test with reflex to titer and Treponema pallidum antibody is the most important test for diagnosis because it detects both active infection and immune response to the bacteria.

Question 2

What causes syphilis?

Accepted Answer

Syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, which enters the body through mucous membranes or broken skin during sexual contact. The bacteria spread through direct contact with syphilis sores (called chancres) that appear during the primary stage of infection, typically on the genitals, rectum, or mouth. You can contract syphilis through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected partner, and pregnant women can also pass the infection to their unborn babies.

Question 3

What is the best test for syphilis?

Accepted Answer

The RPR (Rapid Plasma Reagin) with Reflex to Titer and Treponema pallidum Antibody test is the most important test for syphilis because it provides comprehensive diagnostic information about both active infection and immune response. This test first screens for antibodies your body produces in response to the infection, then reflexes to additional testing to confirm the presence of Treponema pallidum-specific antibodies and measure infection activity levels. The Syphilis Antibody Cascading Reflex is another essential screening test that detects antibodies and can identify both current and past infections. For detecting very early-stage infections, the IgM test is particularly valuable because IgM antibodies appear within days of initial infection, allowing for prompt treatment when it is most effective.

Question 4

When should I get tested for syphilis?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you notice a painless sore or ulcer on your genitals, mouth, or rectum, even if it heals on its own. Get tested if you develop an unexplained rash on your palms or soles of your feet, experience flu-like symptoms with swollen lymph nodes, or have had unprotected sex with a new or multiple partners. Testing is also important if a sexual partner has been diagnosed with syphilis, if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or if you have other sexually transmitted infections. Early detection is critical because syphilis can progress silently through stages and cause serious complications if left untreated.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of syphilis?

Accepted Answer

Syphilis symptoms vary depending on the stage of infection. Primary syphilis causes a single painless sore (chancre) at the infection site that appears 10 days to 3 months after exposure and heals without treatment. Secondary syphilis develops weeks to months later with symptoms including skin rashes (especially on palms and soles), mucous membrane lesions, fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, patchy hair loss, headaches, weight loss, and muscle aches. Latent syphilis has no visible symptoms but the infection remains in the body. Tertiary syphilis can develop years later, causing serious complications affecting the heart, brain, nerves, eyes, blood vessels, liver, bones, and joints.

Question 6

Who is at risk for syphilis?

Accepted Answer

Anyone who is sexually active can contract syphilis, but certain groups face higher risk. You are at increased risk if you have unprotected sex with multiple partners, are a man who has sex with men, have HIV infection, or have a partner diagnosed with syphilis. Risk also increases if you exchange sex for drugs or money, use injection drugs, or live in communities or geographic areas with high syphilis rates. Young adults and people aged 20-35 experience higher infection rates. Pregnant women with syphilis can transmit the infection to their babies, causing serious complications or death, making prenatal screening essential.

Question 7

What happens if syphilis is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated syphilis progresses through increasingly serious stages and can cause devastating complications. After initial symptoms resolve, the bacteria remain active and continue damaging internal organs. Tertiary syphilis can develop 10-30 years after initial infection, causing tumors called gummas that damage organs, cardiovascular syphilis that affects the heart and blood vessels, and neurosyphilis that damages the brain and nervous system leading to paralysis, numbness, blindness, dementia, and death. Untreated syphilis also increases your risk of contracting or transmitting HIV by creating open sores that allow easier virus transmission. Pregnant women with untreated syphilis often experience stillbirth, premature birth, or babies born with congenital syphilis causing severe developmental problems or infant death.

Question 8

Can syphilis be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, blood tests are the primary and most reliable method for diagnosing syphilis. Blood tests detect antibodies your immune system produces in response to Treponema pallidum bacteria, and these antibodies can be identified even when symptoms are absent or unclear. The RPR test screens for general antibodies indicating infection activity, while treponemal tests like the Treponema pallidum antibody test confirm the presence of specific antibodies against the bacteria. Because syphilis symptoms can be subtle, absent, or mimic other conditions, blood testing is essential for accurate diagnosis. Your doctor may order multiple tests because some tests detect active infections while others remain positive even after successful treatment, requiring interpretation alongside your symptoms and medical history.

Question 9

How is syphilis treated?

Accepted Answer

Syphilis is highly treatable, especially when caught early, and penicillin is the preferred antibiotic for all stages. Primary, secondary, and early latent syphilis (less than one year) typically require a single intramuscular injection of long-acting penicillin G benzathine. Late latent syphilis or syphilis of unknown duration requires three penicillin injections given at one-week intervals. Neurosyphilis requires intravenous penicillin administered in a hospital for 10-14 days. People allergic to penicillin may receive alternative antibiotics like doxycycline or tetracycline, though penicillin remains most effective. After treatment, you need follow-up blood tests at regular intervals to ensure the infection has been cured. Sexual partners must also be tested and treated, and you should avoid sexual contact until treatment is complete and sores have healed.

Question 10

How can I prevent syphilis?

Accepted Answer

Preventing syphilis requires consistent safe sex practices and regular screening. Always use latex condoms correctly during vaginal, anal, and oral sex, though condoms only protect areas they cover and syphilis sores can appear in uncovered areas. Limit your number of sexual partners and maintain a mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner. Get tested regularly for syphilis and other STIs, especially if you have multiple partners or are at higher risk, and ensure your partners get tested too. Avoid sexual contact with anyone who has visible sores or unusual rashes. If you are pregnant, get screened for syphilis early in pregnancy to prevent transmission to your baby. Open communication with sexual partners about STI testing and status is essential for prevention.

Question 11

What can I do at home for syphilis?

Accepted Answer

While syphilis requires antibiotic treatment from a healthcare provider and cannot be cured with home remedies alone, you can take supportive steps at home to aid recovery. Avoid all sexual contact until treatment is complete and your doctor confirms the infection is cured to prevent transmission and reinfection. Take all prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed, even if symptoms improve or disappear. Stay well-hydrated and get adequate rest to support your immune system during treatment. Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs as they can interfere with healing and weaken immunity. Keep any sores clean and dry, and avoid touching them to prevent spreading bacteria. Notify all recent sexual partners so they can get tested and treated. Attend all follow-up appointments for blood tests to monitor treatment effectiveness. Maintaining good overall health through proper nutrition, stress management, and adequate sleep supports your body during treatment and recovery.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Syphilis Blood Test

What is Syphilis?

What causes syphilis?

What is the best test for syphilis?

When should I get tested for syphilis?

References

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